Before World War I around 1910s, women’s fashion was inspired by artistic, theatrical look. The ideal women’s clothing made the women’s bodies to look like an “S” shape which means that they wore corsets that gave them an hourglass shape. The waists were smaller than 20 inches and they wore big skirts that were big, puffy and outward.
1910s England, men wore sack suit for leisure and business. The sack suit had coat, waistcoat and trousers. There were variations for the coat style. For example, some had three of four buttons and some had bigger pockets than others. The trousers were straight cut. Depending on the men’s activity, they wore different type of sack suit.
This slide show is showing examples for sack suit;
Developments in fashion following the war were greatly influenced by the changing attitudes of women. Younger women were empowered by their wartime independence and deliberately flouted the style preferences of their mothers' generation for flounces, frills and lace. They cropped their hair and wore skirts to the knee, with simple, linear dresses that gave them a boyish silhouette.
After World War I, there had been many changes in the society and women’s fashion was one of them. The women were empowered by their wartime independence. Old fashion torture clothing like corsets had lessened. This big change in fashion allowed many famous designers to rise.
NORMAN HARTNELL
London-born Norman Hartnell (1901 - 79) set up his fashion house in 1923 and soon became famous for his lavish and romantic evening and bridal gowns. Hartnell is credited with introducing the longer-length skirts that would mark the end of the flapper era and his designs were sought after by the sophisticated British 'elite'.
London-born Norman Hartnell (1901 - 79) set up his fashion house in 1923 and soon became famous for his lavish and romantic evening and bridal gowns. Hartnell is credited with introducing the longer-length skirts that would mark the end of the flapper era and his designs were sought after by the sophisticated British 'elite'.
Norman Hartnell (1901-79), fashion design, London, 1920s. Museum no. E.29-1943
Victor Stiebel
Victor Stiebel (1907 - 73) was born in South Africa in 1907 but settled in England in 1924. After working for three years at the House of Reville, he opened his own fashion house in 1932. The dress has a square neck line with large shoulder straps. The model is wearing a pearl chocker with matching earrings and bracelet. The short bob hair cut with a fringe was typical of this era. There is a slight sketch for a dress on the mount of this design.
Victor Stiebel (1907 - 73) was born in South Africa in 1907 but settled in England in 1924. After working for three years at the House of Reville, he opened his own fashion house in 1932. The dress has a square neck line with large shoulder straps. The model is wearing a pearl chocker with matching earrings and bracelet. The short bob hair cut with a fringe was typical of this era. There is a slight sketch for a dress on the mount of this design.
Victor Stiebel (1907-73), fashion design, England, about 1927. Museum no. E.1077-1983
Florrie Westwood
Florrie Westwood (dates unknown) was a London designer active in the early part of the 30th century.The dress was the height of chic, with its huge pleated shoulders, bold bow, nipped in jacket and long skirt. The gauntlet gloves helped balance the wide shoulders, while the large bow drew attention to the face.
Florrie Westwood (dates unknown) was a London designer active in the early part of the 30th century.The dress was the height of chic, with its huge pleated shoulders, bold bow, nipped in jacket and long skirt. The gauntlet gloves helped balance the wide shoulders, while the large bow drew attention to the face.
Fashion design, by Florrie Westwood, London, 1933. Museum no. S.544-1983
World War II had a profound effect on fashion and it became regulated and framed by government decrees. However, despite these strict regulations and the violent upheavals brought about by war, couture design, led by a talented group of dressmakers, flourished.